Linen & Luggage
Europe · Best May–Sep, Dec for markets

Munich and Bavaria packing list for families

A Bavaria trip mixes city sightseeing with steep castle walks, lake days and mountain weather that changes by the hour. Here is how we pack so everyone stays comfortable from Munich to Neuschwanstein.

Red-roofed alpine village beside a lake in the Bavarian Alps

Photo by Lydia Verbeke on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Munich & Bavaria

  1. Book Neuschwanstein tickets online well ahead. The walk up from the village is steep and long, and strollers can't come on the castle tour, so I bring a carrier for little ones.
  2. Munich's beer gardens are genuinely family places, many with playgrounds and shady chestnut trees. It's our favorite easy lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
  3. Germany can be more cash-based than people expect, especially at bakeries, markets and small inns. I keep some euros on hand so we're never stuck.
Best timeMay–Sep, Dec for markets
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro (bring some cash, since smaller spots may not take cards)
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Munich & Bavaria

This time of year

    Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.

    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing5

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Packable rain jacketKristina's pickSummer afternoons in the Alpine foothills often bring storms.

    Shoes2

    Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
    Kids' hiking shoesCastle approaches and lake trails are steep and gravelly.

    Beach & pool1

    Mineral sunscreen

    Cold weather1

    Warm hat and glovesDecember market evenings are cold and often below freezing.

    Little ones5

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup
    Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.

    Health & toiletries3

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag

    Documents & tech6

    Phone lanyard or crossbody case
    Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
    Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
    Coin purse for eurosCash and coins come in handy at bakeries and market stalls.
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    City neutrals

    Navy, cream, camel, olive

    For the grown-ups

    • A trench or chore jacket
    • White sneakers
    • One dinner outfit that packs flat

    For the kids

    • Cozy knits that layer
    • Navy or olive leggings and joggers
    • A raincoat with a hood

    For photos

    • Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
    • Overcast days flatter everyone
    Month by month

    Munich & Bavaria weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January37°F 3°CCold and often gray, with snow likely in the Alps and some in Munich
    February41°F 5°CCold and often gray, with snow likely in the Alps and some in Munich
    March49°F 9°CChilly and changeable, with spring showers and late snow in the mountains
    April57°F 14°CChilly and changeable, with spring showers and late snow in the mountainsWhite asparagus season, on every menu and at farm stands
    May65°F 18°CWarm and green with frequent afternoon thunderstormsMay Day maypoles and village festivals across Bavaria White asparagus season, on every menu and at farm stands
    June71°F 22°CWarm and green with frequent afternoon thunderstormsWhite asparagus season, on every menu and at farm stands Alpine lake swimming and mountain cable cars at their best
    July75°F 24°CWarm and green with frequent afternoon thunderstormsAlpine lake swimming and mountain cable cars at their best
    August74°F 23°CWarm and green with frequent afternoon thunderstormsAlpine lake swimming and mountain cable cars at their best
    September66°F 19°CCrisp and sunny in early fall, turning foggy and cold by NovemberOktoberfest, starting in late September and running into early October
    October56°F 13°CCrisp and sunny in early fall, turning foggy and cold by NovemberOktoberfest, starting in late September and running into early October
    November45°F 7°CCrisp and sunny in early fall, turning foggy and cold by NovemberChristmas markets in Munich and castle towns from late November
    December38°F 3°CCold and often gray, with snow likely in the Alps and some in MunichChristmas markets in Munich and castle towns from late November
    Questions families ask

    Munich & Bavaria with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Munich & Bavaria with kids?

    The best time is May–Sep, Dec for markets. Warm and green with frequent afternoon thunderstorms

    What's the weather like in Munich & Bavaria?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 37°F (3°C) in January to about 75°F (24°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Munich & Bavaria?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Munich & Bavaria?

    Type C/F, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Munich & Bavaria with kids?

    Book Neuschwanstein tickets online well ahead. The walk up from the village is steep and long, and strollers can't come on the castle tour, so I bring a carrier for little ones.

    let's stay in touch

    New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.

    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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